Centre in collusion with external hands, says CM Mamata Banerjee

Banerjee assured judicial inquiry into Beduria and Basirhat communal violence in North 24 Paraganas district.

In an unprecedented attack on the Centre, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday blamed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for colluding with 'foreign hands' to disturb peace in border areas of the state.

Communal violence in Basirhat and agitation in hill city Darjeeling for separate Gorkhaland have posed law and order challenges to the incumbent Trinamool Congress government.

'Centre has a non-cooperative attitude, border areas are being disturbed with foreign hands having good relations with BJP,' said Mamata. Speaking to media she assured judicial 'inquiry into Beduria and Basirhat communal violence in North 24 Paraganas district'.

She added that the law would take its own course and strict action would be taken against those responsible for the clashes.

Banerjee also said her government would take action against "two national-level television channels" for showing "fake" videos and claiming them to be related to the clashes. "Video clips of an incident in Comilla, Bangladesh and a Bhojpuri film were being shown as if these incidents had taken place in Bengal," she alleged.

Regarding representatives of various political parties, including the BJP, attempting to visit the troubled areas today, the chief minister said, "What is the need to disturb the people there? Let them settle down. Trinamool Congress MPs did not go. They could have gone there as well."

She appealed Gorkhas not to choose violence for their cause and urged them to make peace instead. 'Negotiations are part of a democratic system but let peace be restored first,' she said.

BSF sent to Basirhat:

Four Border Security Force (BSF) companies have rushed to riot-hit Basirhat after four additional companies which were sent two days ago were sent back by the state govt, said Ministry of Home Affairs sources.

Reports requested by Central Government to facilitate review in hill city Darjeeling and Basirhat in North 24 Paraganas district are being delayed by West Bengal government, alleged MHA.

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